
DPM Metals Inc. (TSX: DPM) (ASX: DPM) (ARBN: 689370894) is pleased to announce preliminary production results for the quarter ended March 31, 2026.
“With solid operating performance in the first quarter, we are on track to meet our guidance for 2026, with higher production planned in the second half of the year as we continue to progress the ramp-up at Vareš to full production,” said David Rae, President and Chief Executive Officer of DPM Metals. “The high-grade, low-cost nature of our operations and our disciplined focus on cost management positions us well to continue delivering consistent margins in the midst of challenging global economic conditions.”
“We are pleased to have received the renewal of the exploration permits for the Čoka Rakita licence in March as anticipated, reflecting the well-defined permitting process in Serbia. We have started a 20,000-metre drilling program, focused on infilling and extending mineralization at the Dumitru Potok prospect, amongst other targets.”
Preliminary First Quarter 2026 Production Highlights
Preliminary results for the first quarter are provided below:
| Unit | Chelopech | Ada Tepe | Vareš | Consolidated | |
| Ore processed | Kt | 507 | 147 | 79 | 733 |
| Metals contained in concentrate produced | |||||
| Gold | Koz. | 32 | 12 | 7 | 51 |
| Silver | Koz. | 117 | 8 | 912 | 1,037 |
| Copper | Mlbs. | 7 | – | 1 | 8 |
| Zinc | Mlbs. | – | – | 10 | 10 |
| Lead | Mlbs. | – | – | 8 | 8 |
| Gold equivalent ounces (“GEO”)1 | Koz. | 43 | 12 | 29 | 84 |
| Payable metals in concentrate sold | |||||
| Gold | Koz. | 30 | 12 | 3 | 45 |
| Silver | Koz. | 126 | 6 | 478 | 610 |
| Copper | Mlbs. | 7 | – | – | 7 |
| Zinc | Mlbs. | – | – | 5 | 5 |
| Lead | Mlbs. | – | – | 4 | 4 |
| GEO1 | Koz. | 40 | 12 | 14 | 66 |
|
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Vareš produced approximately 29,000 GEO in the first quarter, in line with the planned ramp-up of the mine to full production. Payable metals sold of approximately 14,000 GEO was lower than the GEO produced due primarily to timing of deliveries. DPM has continued to make strong progress at Vareš, with development rates in-line with expectations and the paste backfill plant on track for commissioning in the third quarter of the year. During the second quarter, the processing plant will be shut down for approximately 20 days for the preparation of installation tie-ins for the second tailings filter. This will allow installation of the tailings filter with minimal impact to the higher production rates anticipated in the second half of the year. Vareš is on track to achieve its guidance for 2026.
Chelopech produced approximately 43,000 GEO during the first quarter, with lower metal grades and gold recoveries as expected with the type of ore processed during the period. Production is expected to increase in the second quarter, and Chelopech is on-track to achieve its production guidance for 2026.
Ada Tepe produced approximately 12,000 GEO in the first quarter, in line with expectations. Ada Tepe is scheduled to reach the end of its life by mid-2026, with the final pr oduction blast scheduled for mid-April. The Company is committed to the responsible closure and rehabilitation of Ada Tepe in-line with the highest standards and in accordance with the regulatory framework.
Renewal of Čoka Rakita Licence Exploration Permits
In mid-March 2026, DPM received the normal course renewal of exploration permits for the Čoka Rakita licence as anticipated. A 20,000-metre drilling program was initiated with two drill rigs currently active, ramping up to 10 drill rigs by June. A significant component of the drilling program will be allocated to infilling and extending mineralization at Dumitru Potok and increasing the drilling density prior to initiating an economic study. An additional 20,000 metres of drilling and six to eight drill rigs will be dedicated to the Putaj Čuka licence, targeting the same north-west geological trend of the Čoka Rakita and Dumitru Potok projects.
Return of Capital to Shareholders
During the first quarter of 2026, DPM repurchased approximately 700,800 common shares at an average price of US$36.29 (Cdn$49.75) per share for a total cost of approximately US$25.4 million under its Normal Course Issuer Bid, which was renewed March 18, 2026. The Company’s Board of Directors has authorized the repurchase of up to US$200 million of shares within 2026.
As previously announced in February 2026, DPM will pay a quarterly dividend of US$0.04 per share on April 15, 2026, to shareholders of record on March 31, 2026.
Timing of First Quarter 2026 Operating and Financial Results
The Company plans to release its first quarter 2026 operating and financial results after market close on Tuesday, May 5, 2026. The news release, Management’s Discussion and Analysis and condensed interim consolidated fina ncial statements will be posted on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and on the Company’s website at www.dpmmetals.com.
Gold Equivalent Calculation
The Company uses conversion ratios for calculating GEO for its silver, copper, zinc and lead production and sales, which are calculated by multiplying the volumes of metal produced or sold, as applicable, by the respective assumed metal prices, and dividing the resulting figure by the assumed gold price.
GEO produced and sold for the first quarter 2026 and DPM’s 2026 guidance are based on the following metal prices:
| < td style=”border-bottom: solid black 1pt ; text-align: center ; vertical-align: middle; vertical-align: middle ; “>Gold ($/oz.) Silver |
Copper ($/lb.) |
Zinc ($/lb.) |
Lead ($/lb.) |
||
| First quarter 2026 market average metal prices |
4,875 | 84 | 5.83 | 1.47 | 0.88 |
| 2026 guidance assumption | 4,200 | 50 | 5.00 | 1.30 | 0.90 |
For more information regarding DPM’s 2026 guidance and three-year outlook, refer to the MD&A for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2025, issued on February 10, 2026, available on at www.sedarplus.ca and at www.dpmmetals.com.
Technical Information
The technical and scientific information in this press release has been reviewed and approved by Ross Overall, Director, Corporate Technical Services, of the DPM, who is a Qualified Person as defined under National Instrument 43-101 – Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, and not independent of the Company.
About DPM Metals Inc.
DPM Metals Inc. is a Canadian-based international gold mining company with operations and projects located in Bulgaria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia and Ecuador. Our strategic objective is to become a mid-tier precious metals company, which is based on sustainable, responsible and efficient gold production from our portfolio, the development of quality assets, and maintaining a strong financial position to support growth in mineral reserves and production through disciplined strategic transactions. This strategy creates a platform for robust growth to de liver above-average returns for our shareholders.
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